Half a Million Boat Hooks Later, Torres Still Building

For 37 years, MariaElena Torres has caringly built Team Boat Hooks,
a modest estimate of her manufacturing productivity is well over half a million units.

Photo by Martin Flory Group

(Jul 26, 2016 - )

For 37 years, MariaElena Torres has caringly built Team Boat Hooks and other popular Davis Instruments Team products. A modest estimate of her manufacturing productivity is well over half a million units.

Team Boat Hooks are manufactured in the USA by Torres and her colleagues from light and rigid anodized aluminum. The hooks' ends are so strong, they're guaranteed for life. In recent testing, it took 900 lbs. of pulling force to sever the staking that held it in place; the hook simply would not break.Torres is committed to Davis and her work. In 2000, she took on building an extra 20,000 units for two years when the company private labeled its boat hooks for a large retailer. Similarly dedicated, co-workers Sandra Baca and Maria Fagundes have been building Team products since 2001 and 1999, respectively. Their collective efforts reflect well-honed skill, pride in workmanship and loyalty to Davis Instruments.

"Davis is a great company because the owners care about us like family," said Torres. "I enjoy making quality products that help people have fun and be safe out on the water."

Davis Instruments telescoping Team Boat Hooks come in versions that extend from 38"–8', 53"–8' and 54"–12'. They have countless uses, from grabbing lines and fending off, to scrubbing the deck. Prices range from $36.99 to $49.99.